Braves predicted to sign $15M three-time All-Star power bat, former ALCS MVP to bolster lineup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Last season, the Atlanta Braves returned to their old form, establishing themselves as one of the best teams in baseball despite dealing with injuries. The Braves were a force to be reckoned with, and opposing teams learned that early in the season.
Toward the end of the regular season, Atlanta secured the NL East title, continuing its dominance in the division over the last decade.
“The Atlanta Braves clinched their seventh NL East championship in nine years on Sunday with a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros, and celebrated with hugs and a team photo in championship hats and T-shirts. Mike Yastrzemski hit a three-run homer during a four-run sixth inning to give the Braves the lead. After Dylan Dodd struck out the side in the ninth to clinch the title, the team ran onto the field to celebrate," ESPN wrote.
Heading into the offseason, the Braves know they need another right-handed bat who can help against left-handed pitching. Sports Illustrated’s Harrison Smajovitts believes Atlanta should sign Randy Arozarena.
“Left-handed hitters actually did better against lefties than right-handed hitters did. Arozarena provides an immediate solution. Last year, he batted .306 with a .954 OPS against lefties. As for righties, he hit .271 with an .827 OPS. He solves a major deficit the Braves have in the lineup, while also being an option day in and day out. The designated hitter spot would still be open to platoon other bats such as Mike Yastremski. If an outfielder needs to take a day off, or just a day as the DH, Yastremski can still play in those spots,” Smajovitts wrote.
At the trade deadline, Atlanta acquired Lane Thomas to fill a platoon role in the outfield.
“The Braves acquired outfielder Lane Thomas and minor league left-hander Bailey Falter from the Royals in exchange for two minor league pitchers Saturday. Thomas, 30, is slashing .232/.326/.393 in 97 games with the Royals this year. He has played mostly center field in Kansas City but will move over to left field in Atlanta and likely platoon with Mike Yastrzemski. Thomas is a career .288 hitter against left-handed pitching," ESPN wrote.
However, the move failed to produce the desired results, highlighting the need for Atlanta to explore other options this offseason. Rather than settling for another short-term solution, the Braves could be aggressive in pursuing Arozarena, whose bat could provide a significant boost to the lineup.
Arozarena played under a $15 million contract with the Seattle Mariners. The veteran right-handed hitter could bring a dangerous bat to Atlanta's lineup. In 2020, Arozarena was named ALCS MVP with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Braves could hope he recaptures that postseason magic and helps them make another deep playoff run, potentially reaching the NLCS.
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